# Farinelli

> Italian singer (1705-1782)

**Wikidata**: [Q223744](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q223744)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farinelli)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/farinelli

## Summary
Farinelli was a renowned Italian opera singer, celebrated for his exceptional vocal talent during the 18th century. Born Carlo Broschi, he gained international fame as a castrato, performing across Europe and leaving a lasting impact on Baroque and Classical music. His career spanned collaborations with prominent composers and royal patronage, solidifying his legacy as one of history's greatest vocalists.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 24, 1705
- **Nationality**: Italian
- **Known for**: Renowned castrato opera singer
- **Employer(s)**: Performed for European royal courts, including King Philip V of Spain
- **Field(s)**: Opera, classical music

## Contributions
Farinelli's contributions include:
- **Operatic Performances**: Starred in works by composers like Johann Adolph Hasse and Christoph Willibald Gluck, notably in operas such as *Artaserse* (1734), where his rendition of the aria "Erbarme dich" garnered acclaim.
- **Royal Patronage**: Became a favorite of King Philip V of Spain, who credited Farinelli's voice with alleviating his depression, leading to a 22-year residency at the Spanish court.
- **Musical Influence**: His vocal technique and expressive style influenced the development of opera seria and the evolution of male vocal performance in the 18th century.

## FAQs
**What made Farinelli unique as a singer?**  
Farinelli was a castrato, a male singer with a soprano voice due to childhood castration, a practice aimed at preserving high vocal ranges. His exceptional control, power, and emotional expression captivated audiences across Europe.

**Where did Farinelli perform?**  
He performed in major European theaters, including London's Royal Opera House and the court of Madrid, where he served as a court singer for King Philip V of Spain from 1736 to 1759.

**What is Farinelli's legacy?**  
Farinelli's legacy extends beyond his performances; he helped shape the operatic repertoire and vocal techniques of his era. His impact on composers and the evolution of opera seria remains a subject of study in music history.

## Why They Matter
Farinelli's significance lies in his unparalleled vocal artistry, which redefined the possibilities of male singing in the 18th century. His collaborations with leading composers and his role in royal courts underscored the cultural importance of music in European aristocracy. Without Farinelli, the development of opera and the castrato tradition would lack a pivotal figure, altering the trajectory of classical vocal music.

## Notable For
- **Castrato Virtuoso**: Emblematic of the castrato tradition, renowned for his vocal range and expressiveness.
- **Royal Favorite**: Held a unique position at the Spanish court, influencing royal patronage of the arts.
- **Cross-Cultural Impact**: Performed in Italy, England, Austria, and Spain, bridging musical styles across Europe.
- **Enduring Fame**: Subject of modern films and studies, ensuring his legacy persists in contemporary classical music discourse.

## Body
### Early Life and Training
Born Carlo Broschi on January 24, 1705, in Andria, Kingdom of Naples, Farinelli underwent castration at a young age to preserve his vocal range, a common practice for aspiring male singers in the 18th century. He studied under Nicola Porpora, a prominent vocal instructor, alongside his brother Riccardo, who later managed his career.

### Career Highlights
- **London Debut (1734)**: Farinelli premiered in London's *Artaserse*, earning acclaim for his performance of "Erbarme dich," which showcased his vocal prowess.
- **Spanish Court Residency (1736–1759)**: Invited by King Philip V, Farinelli became a central figure in Madrid's musical scene, performing daily for the monarch and advising on musical matters.
- **Collaborations**: Worked with composers such as Hasse, who tailored roles to Farinelli's voice, and Gluck, contributing to the evolution of opera seria.

### Musical Style and Influence
Farinelli's voice, characterized by its clarity, agility, and emotional depth, set new standards for castrati. His performances influenced compositional practices, with composers creating complex, virtuosic arias to highlight his talents. This synergy between singer and composer advanced the operatic genre, emphasizing vocal drama and technical innovation.

### Later Life and Retirement
After retiring from the Spanish court in 1759, Farinelli returned to Italy, settling in Bologna. He transitioned to teaching and composing, though his later works remain less celebrated than his performances. Farinelli died on July 15, 1782, leaving behind a reputation as the epitome of 18th-century vocal excellence.

### Cultural Legacy
Farinelli's life and artistry have inspired numerous adaptations, including the 1994 film *Farinelli*, which dramatized his career and relationship with his brother. Musicologists continue to study his impact on vocal technique and opera history, ensuring his influence endures in classical music scholarship and performance practices.

## References

1. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
2. Source
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Storiaememoriadibologna.it
5. [Source](http://www.comune.bologna.it/iperbole/farinelli/italiano/testi/tomba_del_farinelli.htm)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. MusicBrainz
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Farinelli, Carlo Broschi
11. Proleksis Encyclopedia
12. Find a Grave
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
15. IdRef
16. CONOR.SI
17. CERL Thesaurus
18. Quora
19. LIBRIS. 2018
20. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
21. performing-arts.ch